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Southern Co-op has announced a major new franchise partnership with Wenzel’s, one of the UK’s largest family-run bakery retailers, marking a significant milestone in both companies’ growth strategies.

This move signals Wenzel’s first-ever franchise venture, as the iconic British bakery celebrates 50 years on the high street. Led by founder Peter Wenzel and CEO Sarah Wenzel, the brand is renowned for its handcrafted, high-quality baked goods made using traditional baking methods.

FTG Growth: Bringing Quality Bakery to High-Footfall Locations

The partnership reflects Southern Co-op’s strategic expansion into the fast-growing Food-to-Go (FTG) sector, aiming to bring fresh, on-the-go food options to high-traffic retail environments with speed, quality, and convenience at the forefront.

The first franchise store is set to open in Guildford on 10th September 2025, with further rollouts expected in key regions across the UK.

“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Wenzel’s as they take their first step into franchising,” said Nick Smith, Central Services Director at Southern Co-op.
“This partnership represents a powerful alignment of values – great food, great service, and a great opportunity to grow. We’re confident this is only the beginning of a successful journey together.”

A Shared Vision for Community-Centered Food Retail

Founded in 1975, Wenzel’s has built a strong reputation for quality, affordability, and accessibility – values shared by Southern Co-op, a business rooted in ethical, community-focused retail.

“We’re delighted that Southern Co-op have chosen to be our franchise partner,” said Sarah Wenzel, CEO of Wenzel’s.
“Southern Co-op is a business that has consistently put the community first. With our shared vision of offering high-quality food for all, we’re in a strong position to bring delicious, freshly baked goods at accessible prices to even more customers across the UK.”

This franchise launch positions both brands at the forefront of evolving UK bakery and convenience trends, as demand continues to rise for authentic, freshly made food in grab-and-go formats.

For more information on Southern Co-op and Wenzel’s franchise development, visit southern.coop or wenzels.co.uk.